These were Arizona's first babies of 2024: 'We're looking forward to a year of firsts'

The first-born babies of 2024 were celebrated at Arizona hospitals across the state to excitement of family and staff.

Four Arizona families who welcomed a New Year's baby, shared their experience with the Arizona Republic just hours after the newborns were introduced to the world.

Maveric James Singleton was born at 12:03 a.m. at Banner Thunderbird Medical Center in Glendale to Rylie Steg and Christian Singleton, who were introduced to their son as New Year's celebrations were occurring on television.

After her water broke while awaiting care, Steg was surrounded by hospital staff and nurses who wondered if her baby would be the first of the New Year.

Surprising his parents 5 days earlier than his anticipated due date, 7-pound, 11-ounce Maveric made his entrance in a short 15-minute delivery.

"We were watching the New Year's countdown, and we were like 'Is this really gonna happen?' and he ended up coming out three minutes after," said new dad Singleton. "It's kind of something you only see in the movies and now it's happening in real life to us," added Singleton.

Marveric's mom was resting with her partner and new baby on Monday afternoon, grateful for an easy pregnancy. "I feel very lucky, everything went very smooth," said Steg, her baby attempting to contribute to the interview with unintelligible coos.

The first-time parents said they loved the sound of their son's name and its meaning as a free-spirited, independent thinker.

Steg gave her son the middle name of James after her father.

Family from both of the new parents arrived at the hospital, excited to see the first grandchild on both sides of their families.

"He's gonna get extra spoiled," said Singleton.

'We're looking forward to a year of firsts'

Representing southern Arizona, Paisley Mae Pelfrey was welcomed at 12:23 a.m. as a New Year's baby at Yuma Regional Medical Center

The 8-pound 11-ounce baby was born to first-time parents Hailey and Colt Pelfrey.

"We're looking forward to a year of firsts. First words, steps and experience," said dad Pelfrey.

"We love the opportunity to share in every special birth, and we congratulate the Pelfrey family on their beautiful new daughter," said a spokesperson from the Yuma Regional Medical Center.

Baby's birthday holds extra special meaning to mom

At St. Joseph's Medical Center in Phoenix, Yuriel Javier Hernandez was the honorary New Year's baby. His mother, Giselle Hernandez, went through a 25-hour labor to give birth to Yuriel at 12:25 a.m.

Hernandez was awoken at about 11:50 p.m. on New Year's Eve when a nurse told her she was ready to deliver Yuriel.

Hernandez was amazed to find out that Yuriel was a New Year's baby minutes after he was born.

The new mother holds New Year's Day as extra special. "The day is very special, my mom's brother passed away on New Year's," said Hernandez.

"It reminds me a lot about him," Hernandez added of her late uncle.

The long delivery of baby Yuriel didn't leave him very bothered and he slept quietly.

"He's been very calm, I've been hearing other babies around the unit and every baby is really loud, and I feel like he's so quiet," said Hernandez.

She worried however that young Yuriel might not grow up to enjoy the holiday if he likes being the center of attention.

"He's probably not gonna be so happy about it, he's probably gonna feel like it's not his attention on that day," said Hernandez.

Hernandez was joined by her brother Anthony, who held baby Yuriel for the first time.

"It feels good," smiled new uncle Hernandez after he became comfortable holding his nephew.

Anthony passed Yuriel to his girlfriend Isabel Ortiz as the newborn's smiles and joy was felt around the room.

Flagstaff's first baby of 2024

A family from Bellemont represented northern Arizona with New Year's baby, Delaney Joyce Feavel.

Katherine and Victor Feavel gave birth to baby Delaney at 6:50 a.m. at the Flagstaff Medical Center, weighing in at an even 7 pounds.

Two other families of New Year's babies born at Valley hospitals declined to be interviewed.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: These were Arizona's first babies of 2024